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Within his newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

As per the ex-PM's version, he chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the finance minister largely because of his international reputation along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a speaker.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras claims that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which included promoting Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his own game theories using Greece instead of truly advocating its financial survival.

Tsipras noted that the negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During tense negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

On the line lay not only the country's future but also the severe austerity policies required in return for rescue loans from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

In July 2015, those punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with creditors which proved to be tougher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

He also wrote how his confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.